give out/stall/cut out (of an engine)

Question

Hello,Which verb would sound most natural in this sentence "The plane was about to take off when one of its engines stalled/cut out/gave out."? I realize that "fail" might be a good option, but can any of these verbs be used instead?

Teechr · Accepted Answer

"Gave out" is definitely incorrect.
"Cut out" and "fail" are both OK, as is "stop."
"Stall" has a special meaning in aviation, which I believe would not be suitable for the scenario you describe.

Deadrat · Answer

"Give out" means to fail through exhaustion or overuse, which doesn't seem to be what you want.

"Cut out," of an engine, means that it stops suddenly for reasons unknown.

"Stall," of an engine, means that it stops suddenly, possibly through an imbalance of oxygen, fuel, and electricity. A stalled engine need have no mechanical problems.

The whole airplane is said to stall when its airfoil (i.e., its wings) fail to have enough lift to keep it in flight. This may be due to mismanagement of the plane's control surfaces, and may have nothing to do with the state of the engine. Since you specifically mention "engine," and your plane is still on the ground, there is any technical problem with your using the word, but since other phrasing is available, it might be best not to use "stall" here.

Teechr · Answer

deadrat Since you specifically mention "engine," and your plane is still on the ground, there isn't any technical problem with your using the word, but since other phrasing is available, it might be best not to use "stall" here.

Deadrat · Answer

Thank you.  It's hard enough getting the right phrasing without my adding technical problems.

give out/stall/cut out (of an engine)

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